According to the company: “The Big Easy’s eponymous club brand has become synonymous with excellence with its blue and gold hallmark acting as a stamp of assurance for golfers around the world to expect world class amenities and service.

“Els Club Vilamoura will have the additional distinction of becoming the Algarve's first private members' golf club offering a new standard of exceptional and privileged access when it opens to a small group of Founding Members in summer 2025”.

“Special”

“This one is really special,” said Els, who has opened four of his exclusive Els Clubs around the world to date, adding that he was devoted to finally bringing the luxury concept to Europe.

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“We have been keeping this one under wraps as we know the standing this property has in the eyes of the golfing public and wanted to hit the mark with the design. I loved the challenge of creating something exceptional for this part of the world – and I can’t wait for people to see it.”

The South African was handpicked by Arrow Global to redesign the Victoria Course, the former home of the Portugal Masters acquired as part of a major investment in Vilamoura in 2023 and transform the signature course into the venue for its first exclusive club on European soil.

Els and his award-winning design team, are well under way, having broken ground earlier in the year on the much-transformed site overseen by DETAILS, the management company owned by Arrow Global that manages sports and hospitality assets in Portugal, including golf courses and hotels in Vilamoura.

“Any time you get the chance to work with an ownership group with a clear vision and mission, it allows us to focus our creative efforts in how we architect a product and experience that will stand the test of time. The Algarve, and in particular Vilamoura, are outstanding destinations and for me to see The Els Club proposition taking its first steps in this market is a watershed moment and we couldn’t be prouder”, Els continued.

“Whenever we design a golf course, we always have the eye on what makes it a championship golf course. Most of our courses, thankfully, have hosted events; whether that's on the PGA Tour, Asian Tour, DP World Tour, or Latin American Tour. Most of our courses have had championships of some caliber and this is going to be no different with an exclusive, customized experience for all members.

“When the kids were little we lived in England and could come down to this area for summer holidays. We would come down and play golf on the courses in Vilamoura. So when the opportunity arrived, through DETAILS, it really made sense to me. When I come here, I feel like I'm coming home.”

Els, who has guided renovations and new designs at several courses around the world including Wentworth’s West Course, host of the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship, has been working closely on the project with DETAILS.

Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS said: “It is a true honour and privilege to work with Ernie Els on this extraordinary private club that will offer members a new level of service and privacy previously not acceptable in the Algarve. Els Club Vilamoura will reflect your passion and demand for excellence in everything we do.”